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Best Bakery Chain 2026

By Readers' Choice On 8/5/26 at 12:00 PM EDT

Freshly baked bread, buttery pastries, decadent cakes and perfectly brewed coffee make bakery chains a favorite stop any time of day. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, celebrating a special occasion or indulging in dessert, these bakeries consistently deliver delicious baked goods. Vote for the bakery chain that rises above the rest.

Newsweek is proud to recognize this year's 10 standout bakery chains—selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers for their exceptional quality and distinctive excellence. Each has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Bakery Chains of 2026.

1. Auntie Anne's

Auntie Anne's

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Auntie Anne's has become synonymous with freshly baked soft pretzels, offering original recipes alongside sweet and savory variations. Pretzel nuggets, dipping sauces and refreshing beverages round out the menu. The irresistible aroma of warm pretzels and convenient locations in malls, airports and entertainment venues have made Auntie Anne's a longtime favorite.

2. Paris Baguette

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Paris Baguette blends French-inspired baking techniques with Asian influences to create an extensive selection of breads, cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Beautifully crafted desserts, premium ingredients and stylish cafés have fueled the chain's international growth. Customers visit for everything from artisan loaves to elegant celebration cakes and specialty beverages.

3. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes

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Nothing Bundt Cakes has elevated the classic Bundt cake with rich flavors, signature cream cheese frosting and beautifully decorated desserts for every occasion. Available in multiple sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to celebration cakes, the bakery combines homemade flavor with elegant presentation. Seasonal varieties and gift-worthy packaging have helped make it a nationwide favorite.

4. Crumbl

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Crumbl has become a social media sensation with oversized cookies, rotating weekly menus and eye-catching pink packaging. The bakery introduces new flavors alongside classic favorites, encouraging customers to return regularly for limited-time offerings. Freshly baked cookies, creative recipes and shareable presentations have helped Crumbl build an enthusiastic nationwide following.

5. Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme

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Krispy Kreme has delighted doughnut lovers for decades with its iconic Original Glazed doughnuts and wide selection of seasonal specialties. Watching doughnuts travel along the production line during the famous Hot Light experience has become part of the brand's appeal. Freshly made treats and celebratory flavors continue to attract loyal fans worldwide.

6. Panera Bread

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Panera Bread has built a loyal following with its freshly baked breads, pastries, bagels and café-style menu. Known for artisan loaves, seasonal bakery treats and made-to-order meals, the chain combines bakery traditions with convenient dining. Cozy cafés, quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere make Panera a popular destination from breakfast through dinner.

7. Great American Cookies

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Great American Cookies is best known for freshly baked cookies, decadent brownies and its iconic Cookie Cakes that have become staples for birthdays and celebrations. The bakery offers a wide assortment of classic favorites and seasonal flavors prepared throughout the day. Warm cookies and festive custom creations continue to delight customers of all ages.

8. Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts

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Shipley Do-Nuts has delighted customers for generations with freshly made doughnuts, kolaches and breakfast treats. Known for light, fluffy doughnuts and a wide variety of classic and specialty flavors, the chain continues to prepare many of its baked goods fresh each morning. Friendly service and longtime traditions keep fans returning year after year.

9. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels

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Einstein Bros. Bagels specializes in freshly baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and coffee served throughout the day. Featuring a wide selection of classic and specialty bagel flavors, the chain has become a favorite morning destination. Fresh baking, convenient locations and hearty breakfast offerings make Einstein Bros. a staple for busy commuters and families alike.

10. Great Harvest Bread Co.

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Great Harvest Bread Co. specializes in freshly milled whole-grain breads baked daily using high-quality ingredients. In addition to signature loaves, the bakery offers muffins, cookies, scones and sandwiches prepared with its freshly baked bread. Its focus on wholesome baking, community involvement and scratch-made recipes has earned loyal customers across the country.

FINALISTS 85°C Bakery Cafe Corner Bakery Cafe Duck Donuts Insomnia Cookies Le Macaron French Pastries Magnolia Bakery Peace, Love and Little Donuts Porto's Bakery Sprinkles Cupcakes Tous les Jours

About Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readers.choice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Gavin Booth

Gavin Booth of coupleinthekitchen.com specializes in recipe development, all things grilling, food- and wine-based travel and romantic destinations of the world. He has extensive travel experience, visiting all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. He's a full-time recipe developer, photographer, videographer and writer.

Cherith Fluker headshot

Cherith Fluker

Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer specializing in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity and Southern warmth, Cherith's writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog, WhatCherithinks. Cherith is the author of the book Secret Birmingham, set to be published in fall 2025. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the National Federation of Press Women.

Catherine Parker headshot

Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that's driven her across North America, visiting all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven Mexican states as well as top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. After graduating from the University of Houston, Catherine started her career in travel and tourism as a flight attendant. A writer for over 10 years, she maintains an active roster of national publications. Catherine also publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. Her favorite places are national parks, museums and sidewalk cafés. She's torn between a weekend in the mountains or the beach.

Jacky Runice

When Jacky took her first flight at age 17 to Spain, she hadn't stepped a foot outside of Chicago. As a broadcast journalist for 20 years, she always managed to bring her travels back to her Chicago audience with radio documentaries about the culture and characters of places she visited. She transitioned to print journalism (syndicated travel column via Tribune Media Services and Travel Columnist for the Daily Herald Chicago) and then to the web where she has written for numerous outlets such as CBS, LuxuryHotels.com, Examiner.com, AOL, USA Today and others. Follow her on Facebook.

Jamie Davis Smith - headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a writer and attorney from Philadelphia who now calls Washington, D.C. home. She's traveled to more than 90 countries, often bringing her children along on her adventures. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, The Huffington Post, USA Today and many other publications. Jamie can be contacted at byjamiesmith@gmail.com, and posts about her travels on Instagram.

Aly Walansky

Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at alywalansky.substack.com.